62 police officers injured during two nights of violence in Belfast

04 September 2012

More than 60 police officers have been injured during 24 hours of sectarian violence in north Belfast.

Fifteen PSNI members were hurt last night - three were taken to hospital during trouble that saw rioters armed with petrol bombs attack police lines in the Carlisle Circus area of the city.

47 officers were injured during clashes on the previous night.

Officers used water cannons and fired six baton rounds at the crowds as troubled flared last night.

Rioters also hurled stones, bottles, fireworks and rocks and hijacked a van in Denmark Street before pushing it towards police lines.

The extent of the injuries sustained by the police officers taken to hospital are not yet known.

Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr said: "I am very proud of how my colleagues stood in the face of danger, working to bring this situation under control, but I am saddened and angry that again we find ourselves subject to serious violence from the communities we serve.

"Let me be clear, we have made seven arrests already and with a robust criminal justice strategy in place, there will be more.

"The community of North Belfast needs to see a resolution to this issue now.

"Collectively, we cannot afford to wait and we cannot have night after night of violence on our streets. Following two nights of disorder, we have a number of police officers who are no longer available to deliver their core policing duties, protecting the communities they serve."

He said the violence had to be brought to an end.

"And the huge impact on Northern Ireland cannot be ignored. As we strive to promote our positive image, the negative effect of these violent pictures on jobs, tourism and investment cannot be underestimated. We do not want to take a backward step.

"I urge all those with influence to urgently use it to bring a resolution to the violence and work towards a longer-term solution for the issues affecting this area."

Last night's disorder came after 47 PSNI officers were injured on Sunday night during riots linked to a republican parade nearby and a loyalist protest.

Water cannon was deployed after the officers were attacked with fireworks, petrol bombs and masonry.

Police have arrested a 17-year-old male on suspicion of riotous behaviour.

Loyalists and republicans attacked police in the Carlisle Circus and Antrim Road areas during significant but localised violence linked to a republican parade.

Four officers were taken to hospital with various injuries. Only one remains in hospital and his injuries are not life-threatening, while 43 other officers were treated for various minor injuries.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Supt George Clarke said: "I am both angry and sad that my officers have been subjected to such significant attack.

"They showed tremendous courage in the face of enduring violence."

At lunchtime yesterday a large crowd congregated between the Belfast Orange Hall and Carlisle Circus. A lawful parade had been organised but police had received no notification of a protest.

When police arrived on the scene some people within the crowd had masked their faces and police observed masonry being broken up by a number of individuals.

Police talked to community representatives with the aim of reducing tension and facilitating the lawful parade.

To allow the parade to pass along its notified route, police moved the crowd back towards Carlisle Circus. Bricks and other missiles were exchanged between parade supporters and protesters as the procession passed through the area, but the most sustained violence was directed at police lines. As the parade dispersed youths also began attacking police in the Antrim Road area.

Trouble continued throughout the night, until the area was reported calm at around 2am.

Chief Supt Clarke said people would be held to account for their actions.

"I am urging all individuals and communities affected by recent events to take a step back. Violence has serious and unwanted consequences for us all," he said.

"We must work harder at finding solutions through talking and accommodation.

"We cannot continue to see the lives of our community and our police officers put at such risk."

He added: "Every hour of disorder in Northern Ireland not only puts lives at risk, it also reduces confidence in our community and wastes huge amounts of money that could be better spent on schools and hospitals.

"Violence cannot be a solution."